Kentaro Miura’s Berserk is a dark fantasy masterpiece, captivating readers and viewers with its epic story, unforgettable characters, and brutal action.
For newcomers venturing into Guts’ world, the multiple anime adaptations can be daunting.
If you are wondering how to watch Berserk in order, look no further. This guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate the world of the Berserk anime and experience its full impact.
Berserk tackles mature themes of violence, trauma, and the struggle for purpose in a beautifully detailed world. The characters are complex and morally ambiguous.
The series doesn’t shy away from brutality, but uses it to explore profound questions about humanity’s capacity for good and evil.
This combination of gripping narrative, stunning visuals, and deep themes has cemented Berserk’s place as a dark fantasy icon.
What is the Berserk anime all about?
Berserk is a dark fantasy anime that follows Guts, a lone warrior with a massive sword, and Griffith, the charismatic leader of a mercenary band known as the Band of the Falcon.
Guts is a skilled fighter who is hardened by a brutal childhood. Griffith, on the other hand, is an ambitious leader who dreams of creating his own kingdom.
The two form a powerful bond as they fight together on the battlefield.
However, their relationship takes a tragic turn when Griffith makes a dark pact to achieve his dream, sacrificing his comrades and leaving Guts consumed by rage and a thirst for revenge.
The story then becomes a dark and bloody quest for vengeance as Guts fights against supernatural forces and his inner demons.
How many Berserk animes are there?
While the series’ immense popularity has led to multiple attempts at capturing its essence in anime form, there are three major adaptations to consider:
- Berserk (1997) – This anime offers a good introduction to the world and characters, but it condenses the story and leaves out some content, particularly from the early manga chapters.
- Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film trilogy (2012-2013) – These movies provide a more faithful adaptation specifically of the Golden Age Arc, a beloved part of the Berserk storyline. However, they don’t cover the entire manga.
- Berserk (2016-2017) – This adaptation attempts to tackle more of the manga, but it has a distinct animation style compared to the previous entries and suffers from some continuity issues.
Bonus:
Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (2022) – This is essentially a re-release of the Golden Age Arc movies with some new scenes and improved animation. It doesn’t cover any new story content compared to the 2012-2013 movies.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the numerous Berserk anime adaptations released in the past, let’s delve into how to watch Berserk in order.
How to watch Berserk in order: In what order should I watch Berserk anime?
There isn’t a single, universally agreed-upon “correct” order to watch the Berserk anime. It boils down to what you prioritize in your viewing experience.
The 1997 and 2016 Berserk anime adaptations essentially cover the same story from different starting points.
The Golden Age Arc movies and Memorial Edition focus on a specific story arc within the larger Berserk narrative.
For first-time viewers, watching by release order is recommended. The 1997 anime provides a good introduction to the world and characters, while the Golden Age Arc movies delve deeper into the backstory.
However, be aware that the 2016 anime adaptation has a different animation style and some continuity issues.
- Berserk (1997)
- Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film trilogy (2012-2013)
- I: The Egg of the King
- II: The Battle for Doldrey
- III: The Advent
- Berserk (2016-2017)
- Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (2022)
Regardless of how you end up watching Berserk, be aware that none of the anime adaptations cover the entire Berserk story. The manga goes far beyond what’s been animated.
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